COOLIFE H881 Trail Camera User Guide

COOLIFE H881 Trail Camera

Product Information

Introduction

The trail camera is designed for hunting, animal or event observation, motion- triggered security camera for home, office, and community, and all other indoor/outdoor surveillance where evidence of invasion is needed. The working principle of the trail camera is that the infrared sensor triggers to take photos when the heating body (animal, etc.) enters the infrared sensing area of the trail camera. The sensing module of the trail camera starts the camera to complete the capture, thereby obtaining photos and videos. If the heating body (animal, etc.) leaves the infrared sensing area, the trail camera is in a dormant standby state.

After Sales Service

We provide the best products and services and always focus on professional brands. Our aim is to deliver sincere and thoughtful service to ensure customer satisfaction. If you have any questions or problems about our products, please contact us by email at support@coolife.site. We will reply within 24 hours and provide you with a 100% perfect solution. You can also visit our website (www.coolifeeu.com) to learn more about us and our products.

Camera Overview

The trail camera comes with a specification of features for easy operation. It has a screen display that shows pictures and other functions. The camera is powered by batteries or external power supply and comes with a wall mount/bracket or strap for easy assembly.

Product Usage Instructions

Preparing the Camera

1. Opening and closing the camera
2. Inserting the batteries
3. Inserting the memory card
4. External power supply
5. Assembly with strap
6. Using the wall mount/bracket
7. Install the trail camera properly
8. How to use the cable

Basic Operation

Turn on and off the camera using the TEST button located on the camera. Adjust the best way of installation in test mode.

• Turn TEST, On And Off to the Camera
• Adjust the best way of installation in Test mode

Setup Menu and Functions

The setup menu and functions for the trail camera are available in the user manual. Follow the instructions provided to customize the settings to your preferences.

FAQ

For frequently asked questions and answers, visit our website at www.coolifeeu.com.

Introduction

After sales service
Choose us! We provide you with the best products and services, and always focuses on professional brands.
We are committed to sincere and thoughtful service to ensure customer satisfaction. If you have any questions or problems about our products, please be free to contact us by email:
support@coolife.site

We will reply you within 24 hours and provide you with a 100% perfect solution.
If you want to learn more about the following information, you can go to our website (www.coolifeeu.com)to view

• Beginner tutorial
• Download the manuals for different models
• Get new product information
• FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions and Answers)
• Make suggestions or complaints about the products
• Product operation video

Trail camera working principle
The working principle of the trail camera is that the infrared sensor triggers to take photos. In fact, when the heating body (animal, etc.) enters the infrared sensing area of the trail camera, the sensing module of the trail camera will start the camera to complete the capture, thereby obtaining photos and videos. If the heating body (animal, etc.) leaves the infrared sensing area, the trail camera is in a dormant standby state, for example, the trail camera starts to capture again when it enters the infrared sensing area again.

Application

• Trail camera for hunting
• Animal or event observation Motion-triggered security camera, for home, office and community
• All other indoor/outdoor surveillance where invasion evidence needed

Warning

• The H881 hunting camera uses IR LEDs with a wavelength of 850nm, which emits a faint red light at night. But most animals cannot see this infrared light and will not interfere with the animals.
• When the ambient light source is unstable, the filter inside the camera will be triggered to work, and then there will be a clicking sound accompanied by screen flickering, which is normal.
• It is recommended to use high-performance alkaline batteries, which can prolong the use time of the camera. It is not recommended to use a 1.2V rechargeable battery, because the working voltage of the hunting camera is 1.5V. If the battery voltage is insufficient, it will not properly work, and the battery may be exhausted after working for few hours (the camera will show that the battery is low).
• When using the hunting camera for the first time, please format the memory card before using.
• When installing the battery, please make sure to install the battery normally, if the battery is installed upside down, it will cause the camera to short circuit and burn out. Please note that the camera is not protected by the short circuit!
• When using the product for the first time, please remove the layer of protective film on the lens and on the sensor of the product.
• Do not damage the surface of the product sensor, if there is any scratch or damage, it will affect the normal triggering of the camera.
• Field installation: please make sure that the buckle of the camera and the bottom DC plug are all closed and sealed, otherwise the camera could be damaged in case of rain.
• Do not use the mini USB data cable to charge the camera or charge the rechargeable battery, it will seriously damage the camera.
• Please keep the camera lens and infrared sensing windows clean. If dirty, clean with the soft glasses cloth.
• For keeping the good waterproof and dustproof properties, please keep the battery compartment sealing ring clean.
• Do not touch the LCD display screen, camera lens, infrared sensing windows and IR led glasses with hands or any sharp objects.
• In case of low battery charge, please replace all the batteries on time to avoid leakage of the electrolyte that could damage the camera.

If you want to know more information, please go to our website(www.coolifeeu.com) to view or directly scan the QR code to view.

1. Up button
2. Shot button
3. Right button
4. Ok button
5. Menu button
6. Left button
7. Play button
8. Down button
9. TF slot
10. AV jack
11. USB jack
12. OFF
13. Test
14. ON
15. Infrared LEDs
16. Lens
17. Front motion sensor
18. Side motion sensor
19. Display screen

Trail camera operation process

1. Install Batteries

2. Install micro SD card

3. Switch to TEST

4. 4Press MENU to setting

5. Change language

6. Format memory card

7. Set The Date & Time

8. Switch to ON to use

Explanation of camera screen pictures

Preparing the Camera

Opening and closing the camera
Operating buttons, connections and batteries are located inside the Wildlife Camera. A fixing for a padlock is provided between the two locking brackets, allowing the camera to be securely locked.

Inserting the batteries
Open the camera as described in （2.1.） to insert the batteries. The battery compartment is housed in the right, rear part of the camera. Now open the protective cover of the battery
compartment by pulling the clamping closure at the top slightly inwards before lifting off the cover.（ The buckle can be opened with the help of a small tool）
Insert 8 x 1.5V LR6/AA high quality alkaline batteries. Make sure to insert each battery with correct polarity.

Note:

• It is not recommended to use 1.2V rechargeable batteries, because it is not enough to support the normal operation of the camera. We recommend high-performance alkaline batteries (not supplied).
• Never install different types of batteries or new and old batteries in the product at the same time.
• Anytime you load or unload batteries, make sure that the camera is OFF.
• An alarm is sounded if the battery charge is too low.
• Most batteries will lose their activity when working at low temperatures, causing a potential camera failure. Put the camera indoors and it will return to work normally.

Inserting the memory card
A memory card must have been inserted in order to save photos (in .jpg format) and videos(in .AVI format). Insert a TF memory card in the memory card compartment before switching on the camera.
Switch OFF the camera. Insert the memory card as shown in the adjacent illustration. Push the memory card into compartment until it clicks into place.
To remove the memory card push card in again until it is partly ejected

Note:

• Please format the memory card if it is used for the first time or if it has been used with other cameras before.
• Suggest to use at least class 10 or above high.
• Be sure the power switch is OFF before inserting or removing SD cards or batteries.
• A Micro SD/TF memory card must be inserted into the memory card slot in order to save photos and videos.
• After using the memory card many times, its performance will be reduced. If the memory card performance decreases, you need to buy a new memory card.
• Don’t remove the card, don’t turn off the power while formatting or reading or saving because data could be damaged.
• If the capacity of the memory card is full, the camera will stop recording automatically and the LEDs will be off. Turn on the Endless Capture function if you want to keep on saving data: in this case the newest data will replace the oldest.
• Do not insert the memory card forcibly. Please refer to the marking on the camera. Press the edge of the card gently to pop up the TF card.

External power supply
Optionally, you can connect an external  6V DC power source with at least 1.5 A to the ‘DC In’ jack at the bottom of the camera. The power connector is a 3.5×1.35 mm coaxial DC power plug with positive ‘tip’ (inside pin) polarity. Leave internal batteries in the camera during use.

Note:

• Rechargeable batteries cannot be recharged in the camera using an external power supply.
• It is not recommended to use a universal external power adapter, if the voltage is adjusted to inaccurate, you risk to burn the camera.
• When using an external power source, please leave four or eight new batteries( Avoid External Power Suspension).

Assembly with strap
Use the securing strap supplied to attach the Wildlife Camera to a tree or another object. The illustrations below demonstrate how to fasten the securing strap.

Position the Wildlife Camera as desired and pull the loose end of the securing strap tight until the camera is firmly secured. To release the securing strap again, pull at the tab of the securing strap.

Using the wall mount/bracket
Using the supplied wall mount, the camera can be securely attached to walls or ceilings. Prior to installing the wall mount ensure that all existing bolts are securely tightened.

1. 1/4“Tripod bolt
2. Counter screw/Lock nut
3. Pivot bolt
4. Drilled holes
5. Hexagonal screw
6. Plastic expansion tube/Wall plugs
7. Long screw of metal bracket

Required tools

• Drill
• 6 mm masonry/concrete drill bit
• Phillips head screwdriver

Note:

• Ensure that there are no electric lines, water, or heating pipes installed at the proposed drilling location!
• The supplied wall plugs are only suitable for mounting on concrete or stone. Before starting the installation, please check your installation location carefully for its suitability for the plugs. The assembly material used must be suitable for the respective location. If in doubt, consult a professional.

Steps

• Mark the drill holes by holding the foot of the wall bracket at the desired mounting location and marking the hole positions.
• Use a drill with a6 mm drill bit to drill the required holes and insert the plugs and insert the wall plugs flush with the wall.
• Screw the wall bracket to the wall using the supplied screws.
• Mount the camera on the tripod screw and screw the camera a little way on (about three turns).
• Turn the camera in the desired direction and lock it with the lock nut.
• To move the camera into its final position, undo the two pivot bolts a little, position the camera, and fix the position by tightening the two pivot bolts through the hexagonal screw.

Install the camera properly

Please refer to the above installation diagram to determine the correct installation angle, install the hunting camera as horizontally as possible, and do not install it downwards, which will reduce the capture range of the camera and the shooting angle.

Note:

• The correct installation distance should be at least one meter away from the subject, otherwise, it is easy to be vague.
• Please make sure to install the hunting camera horizontally, otherwise, it may reduce the detection range of the camera.
• The installation height is determined by the size of the shooting target or the distance, such as a small hedgehog, the shooting distance should be as short as possible, and the installation height should be as low as possible).
• There should be no obvious obstructions (such as branches and leaves) in the front of the lens, and try to keep it as open as possible.
• Try to confirm that there is no strong backlight at the front of the lens, otherwise, the quality of the photos and videos taken will be seriously reduced, and noise and blurring will occur.

How to use the cable
Use a mini usb cable to connect (when viewing files)
You need to use the camera’s mini usb cable to connect the camera body and the computer.

Connect to TV (while viewing files)
A dedicated TV cable is required to connect the image output port of the camera body to the TV.

The camera can transfer the video signal to an external monitor or a television. Please follow the below instructions to operate

1. Connect the camera to the TV via provided AV cable.
2. Turn on the TV and set it to AV mode.
3. Turn on the camera, switch the Mode Button to“Test”.
4. Once connection is successful, the camera will enter playback mode and the screen turn black. The image will show on the TV.

Note:

• Because some TV models and mini USB cables have poor compatibility, it is recommended to use a TF card to view files.
• When TV output, the monitor of the camera body will not display the file.

Connecting the Camcorder to a PC by the USB Cable

1. Connect the camera to the computer via USB cable. Turn on the camera,the screen will display“MSDC”.
2. Open [My Computer] or [Windows Explorer]. A”Removable Disk” appears in the drive list. Double-click the “Removable Disk” icon to view its contents. All files are stored in the folder named ”DCIM”.
3. Copy the photos or files to your computer.

Note:
Because the USB driver of some computers cannot recognize the camera, if it is invalid, please use a card reader to read the file.

Using a Card Reader

1. Pop-up the memory card from the camera and insert it into a card reader. Then connect the card reader to a computer.
2. Open [My Computer] or [Windows Explorer] and double-click the removable disk icon that represents the memory card.
3. Copy image or video files from the memory card to your computer.

Basic Operation

Switch to “ON”,”TEST” and “OFF” mode
When the camera is in the “TEST” mode
The camera can set parameters, check the camera, manually shoot and view photos and videos, etc.

When the camera switch to “ON”
After having switched on the camera, the screen will display 15 seconds countdown. Then the LEDs and screen will be off. The camera begins to operate independently and enter in the standby mode.
If wild animals enter the detection range of the motion sensors, the camera will be activated and detect the motion trail.
If wild animals keep on moving in the detection zone of the sensor, the camera will take photos or record video automatically.
When wild animals leave the detection zone of the sensors, the camera will be deactivated and turn back in standby mode.

When the camera switch to “OFF” mode
The camera is completely turned off.

Adjust the best way of installation in Test mode
In test mode, you can work out the optimum exposure angle and the range of the motion sensors.
During alignment, consider whether the use of the side motion sensors may be useful for attaining the desired observation results. You can activate/deactivate the side motion sensors using the described menu.

Align the camera as follows:
Fasten the camera to a tree or similar object at a height of 1-2 meters and align the camera in the desired direction. Then move slowly from one side of the target area to the other side. While doing this, look at the motion display.
If you see a blue light , you have been detected by one of the activated side motion sensors. If you see a green light, you have been detected by the front motion sensor. In this way, you can work out the best alignment for the camera.
The motion display only lights up when the operating mode selector switch is in the TEST position and one of the motion sensors has detected movement. During normal operation, there will be no lights on.
To ensure that the camera does not make unwanted recordings of irrelevant movements, it should not be set up in a sunny location or close to branches that can move in the wind.
For more product operations, please go to our
website(www.coolifeeu.com) to view or directly scan the QR code to view.

Setup Menu and Functions

Mode

• Photo：Capture photos with motion detection.

• Video： Capture video clips with motion detection.

• Photo + Video： Capture both photos and video with motion detection. Photo resolution
  Set resolution for still photos. We recommend the resolution 8MP Options： 3MP, 5MP, 8MP (preset),12MP or 16MP,21MP.

• Photo series
  Selects how many photos you want to take in sequence per trigger. In addition to single shot mode (1 photo), you can take 2 or 3 photos in series.

• Video resolution
  Select video resolution.
  Options: 1080P (1920 x 1080,25 fps), 720P (1080 x 720,30 fps), WVGA (720 x 480, 30 fps), VGA (540 x 480, 30 fps),( 320 x 240,30 fps)

• TL video resolution
  Options:【2592x1944P】/【2048x1536P】

• Video Length
  Set the length of each video clip recorded each time motion is detected (between 3-60 seconds or 1-10 minutes). The longer the recording time selected the shorter the operating time. The preset video length is 5 seconds.

• Audio recording
  Opening this function, you can record sound while recording video.

• Shot lag
  Set the time period that the camera should wait before reacting to subsequent activation of the main sensor after the initial recording. During the selected interval, the camera will not record any images or videos. This prevents the memory card from being filled up with too many files of the same event. You can select between 5-60 seconds or 1-60 minutes.
  For example, if I set up a shot lag of 1 minute, it means that the time between two consecutive records will be 1 minute no recording even if the animal keeps on moving inside the detection area, and the camera will restart to record after 1 minute.

• IR distance
  IR distance Set the distance of infrared in duction Options :
  【Near】/【Middle】/【Far】

• Side motion sensors
  The default setting is On. The two side PIR sensors provide a wider sensing angle and accelerate the trigger to shoot. However, in some situations, you have difficulty removing the interfering twigs or avoiding the sunlight. If so, you have the option to turn off the side sensors.

• Sensitivity motion sensors
  You can choose among three values: High, Medium and Low. High: For internal areas and environments with low interference (no branches blowing in the wind);
  Medium: For external areas and environments with a normal amount of interference;
  Low for environments with a high level of interference. The temperature can also affect the sensitivity.
  The “High” setting is suitable for warm ambient temperatures, whereas “Low” should be selected for cold Environments.

• Target recording time
  Select “On” if the camera should only be active during a certain time period. In the screen menu that subsequently appears, you can then set the start and end time for the active phase.
  The settings made here apply every day.
  The camera will not record any images outside of the active period.

• Time lapse
  In Time lapse menu, there are three options as below.
  [Normal]: The camera will take pictures automatically as per set time interval. For example,set the interval time to 1 hour, the camera will take a photo or video each hour(Confirmation according to your work mode is taken photo or video). If you want to observe that a plant blooms, the camera will take 24 photos in 24 hours to record the whole process of blooming.
  [TL Video]: You can set the interval time.The time range is from 1 second to 24 hours. For example, set the interval to 1 hour, the camera will take a photo each hour. If the camera works for 24 hours,there will be 24 photos. These photos will be converted into a video.

• [Off]: Close the time lapse function.

Note:

1. The camera needs to take multiple pictures to form the playback file. If the number of pictures taken is too small, the playback file cannot be formed but is displayed in the form of pictures.
2. When you confirm “On” with the OK button, Time lapse mode disables the PIR sensor(The camera does not automatically sense to shot）and instead takes photo or records video clip automatically at your choice of intervals.This has the advantage of scouting further distances that are out of the PIR sensor’s range, such as big open areas (food plots, fields, etc), or monitoring the flowering, sunrise, and sunset

• Language
  Here you can set English, German, Finnish, Swedish, Danish, French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese or Chinese as the menu language.

• Endless Capture
  Set the camera to record video in loop. When the memory is full, the camera can automatically overwrite the previously taken photos or videos without stopping work.
  Options：【On】/【Off】

• Time & date
  Here you can set the date format (YYYY/MM/DD, DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY), the time format (12/24 hrs) and the time and date. Use LEFT and RIGHT keys to move to next field. Use UP or DOWN keys to change the setting, pressing OK button to save.

• Photo stamp
  Select ON to print the temperature, moon phase, date, and time on each photo (only for photos). Select OFF for no imprint.

• Password protection
  Select “On” if you want to use a password to protect the camera from unwanted access. You can set a 4-digit combination. Once the code is set, the camera will prompt you to enter the correct code.If you have forgotten your password, please contact our official email to get the file to reset the camera.
  Official email: support@coolife.site

• Beep sound
  Open / close key tone.
  Options：【ON】/【OFF】

• Format memory card
  Delete (erase) all files stored on a card to prepare it for reuse. Always format a card that has been previously used in other devices. Caution!Make sure you have downloaded and backed up any files you want to preserve first! Press OK to execute, press MENU to exit without formatting.

• Serial NO.
  Select “On” if you want to use a serial number to rank the camera. You can set a 4-digit combination. This helps multicamera users identify the location when reviewing the photos, since each camera will imprint its number on all photos it captures.

FAQ

Reset setting
Select ‘Yes’ and press OK to restore all parameters to the original factory default settings.

Version
View the camera’s firmware information.

FAQ
For more detailed product questions and answers, please check through our website (www.coolifeeu.com ), which contains a variety of very detailed questions and answers.
You can directly enter the website to view by scanning the following QR code

Manufacturer:Shenzhen Gaodi Digital Co., LTD.
Address:Floor 5, Unit A, Building 4, Tianan digital City,
Longgang District, Shenzhen, China
C&E Connection E-Commerce (DE) GmbH
Zum Linnegraben 20, 65933,
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
info@ce-connection.de

References

• 2.8.1.La
• COOLIFE

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